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Vets step up for scrapheap challenge
"Scrapheap challenge was just one of the many engaging activities that took place over the two-day event last month" - XLVets.

XLVets AGM saw delegates create a 100m-long moveable structure.

More than 80 vets and industry professionals participated in a scrapheap challenge at the recent XLVets annual general meeting (AGM).

Taking place over two days in June, the AGM saw delegates create a 100m-long moveable structure using only what content they could scavenge from the scrap heap. There were also interactive discussions, guest speakers, workshops, karaoke, a beer festival and a pub quiz.

The AGM also provided the backdrop for the launch of THRIVE – XLVets’ new strategic plan. Thrive stands for - Trusting teams, Humanity, Regeneration, Insights, Vet skills and Explore and is designed to support members as the future of veterinary evolves.

Furthermore, a breakout workshop focussing on ‘Regeneration’ included conversations regarding the ongoing work of the XLVets Flexible Working Project with Alice Moore of Garston Vets and Silvia Janska from Flexee.

An XLVets spokesperson said: "Scrapheap challenge was just one of the many engaging activities that took place over the two-day event last month as XLVets broke down the normal expectations of a formal gathering. 

"Without sacrificing quality discussions on relevant topics such as employee ownership trusts and procurement, the AGM was an exciting experience for all who attended. Mirroring the XLVets' values of celebrating individuality and welcoming diversity, everyone had a voice in interactive discussions and workshops."

XLVets chief executive, Andrew Curwen, added: “We continue to welcome new practices, both start-up and established, into our community. Working together delivers success and enjoyment and if you embrace this collaboration, it will embrace you back.”

XLVets is a community of independent practices, enabling members to collaborate with shared knowledge, experience and skills. 

Image (C) XLVets.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.